A Glimpse of Red

Gift and Departure

Nitya watched the scenes unfolding around her, a silent observer amid the bustling joy that filled every corner of the Singhania Palace. Her Maasi Sa was positively beaming, distributing gifts to the palace workers, her laughter and excited gestures spreading the kind of joy usually reserved for grand festivals like Diwali. It was as though the entire palace itself was glowing, lit up with a warmth and brilliance that mirrored the happiness of its residents. Anmol Singhania, the dignified patriarch of the Singhania family, wore a rare look of deep contentment, and it struck Nitya that for the first time, he seemed truly at ease. A soft smile crept across her face as she observed him watching her, a newfound warmth in his gaze.

For years, Anmol had tried to reach out to her, to offer his affection and guidance, but she had always kept him at a distance. Despite his best efforts, she had kept a line firmly drawn between them. But now, as she had accepted Riyansh's proposal, she sensed a profound shift. Anmol, her soon-to-be father-in-law, saw her in a new light.  And Nitya could feel that, a quiet peace settling in her heart as she saw his happiness. If her decision could bring such joy to everyone she cared about, then maybe this path she had chosen wasn't just about duty. Maybe it was about building something new, a bridge between her family and theirs.Her thoughts broke as she felt a gentle touch on her shoulder. She turned to see Riyansh standing beside her, his familiar smile offering comfort. "Are you alright?" he asked softly.

She nodded, glancing towards Ishaan and Ishika, her siblings, who were already caught up in an animated argument about what they'd do first when they returned to the Rajput Palace. Nitya smiled softly, knowing how excited they were to be heading back to their home. Her purpose in coming to Paris had been fulfilled with the successful launch of Bhumi, her brand, and now she could finally return to Mewar. It felt right, in a way, to go back and take a breath, to gather her thoughts and prepare herself for the future she was stepping into. Just then, the shrill ring of the old landline phone echoed through the grand hall. Anmol picked it up, his expression brightening as he recognized the voice on the other end. "Maharaj Ranjith!" he greeted warmly, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Prepare yourself to say goodbye to your daughter because now she belongs to us."Across the room, Preeti rolled her eyes playfully at her husband's words and quickly took the phone from him. "Ranjith," she said with a smile, "we're going to be family officially."On the other end, Ranjith chuckled, his voice carrying a warmth that only a father could muster. "Preeti, we've always been family. This just makes it official." He paused, then preeti asked, "How's Aanchal holding up? I know her...  she.."Ranjith's voice softened, a knowing look crossing her face. "She's reacting exactly how I expected, but give her time, Preeti. She'll come around. I know my wife." Preeti's tone was reassuring. "I'm not worried, Ranjith. Aanchal will understand; she always does." and then Ranjith asked, "I actually called to ask when you all are planning to come over."

Preeti glanced at Anmol, nodding before she replied, "I can't wait to be there myself, but there's so much to wrap up here with the new project that we just launched-Bhumi. So, for now, we'll send the kids—Nitya, Ishaan, and Ishika are flying out tomorrow. Anmol, Riyansh, and I will follow next week once things with Business are settled here."

A gentle sigh of satisfaction escaped Ranjith. "Perfect. It'll be good to have them back. Pass the phone to Riyansh and Nitya, will you?"Preeti switched the call to speaker and beckoned Riyansh and Nitya closer. "Your father wants to speak to both of you," she said, her eyes brimming with pride."Riyansh, Nitya," Ranjith began, his voice filled with the kind of pride only a father could convey. "I'm incredibly happy for both of you, my children. Riyansh, welcome to the Rajput family. I couldn't imagine a better match for my daughter."

With a deep sense of respect, Riyansh spoke into the phone, "Thank you, Uncle. I look forward to earning the honor of being part of your family." He held Nitya's gaze, his smile deepening with every word. Without breaking eye contact, he placed a quick, affectionate kiss on her cheek, catching her completely off guard. Her eyes widened, and she shot him a warning look, but her flushed cheeks betrayed her.Watching the exchange, Ishaan and Ishika couldn't contain their excitement. They whistled and cheered, poking fun at Riyansh's bold display, while Preeti and Anmol looked on, laughing at their playful antics. For a brief moment, it felt like everything was as it should be, a merging of two families, two worlds, united not just by tradition but by genuine happiness.As the call ended, Nitya stood in silence, still feeling the warmth of her father's words lingering in her heart.